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Underlying Dimensions and Determinants of Technological Drought in Relatively Uplifted Regions of Bangladesh

  • Md Anarul Haque Mondol 1,*,   
  • Humaira Rahman Logna 1,   
  • Sworna Akter 1,   
  • Rubaiyat Ali Mina 2,   
  • Hafizur Rahman 2,3,   
  • Xuan Zhu 4,   
  • David Dunkerley 4

Received: 03 Feb 2026 | Revised: 19 Apr 2026 | Accepted: 20 Apr 2026 | Published: 11 May 2026

Abstract

Drought is well known as a natural, stochastic phenomenon, which is characterised by prolonged periods of insufficient precipitation, which can seriously affect agricultural and hydrological processes. Conventionally defined as a slow-acting threat, drought happens over time and can last long since it is the lack of rainfall compared to long-term averages. Drought has four main categories, including meteorological, agricultural, hydrological, and socio-economic droughts, but the traditional definitions tend to overlook the technological aspects, especially in small-scale agricultural systems. In contrast to socioeconomic drought that arises from not being able to meet the water demand, technological drought occurs from the failure of technology and proper management despite getting normal rainfall. The study explores the characteristics and effects of technological drought in the Madhupur Tract of Bangladesh. The study uses fifty-five statements and variables based on a structured questionnaire survey to understand the perceptions of the farmers about technological drought and the factors behind it. The Principal Component Analysis was conducted to reduce the size of the data and determine latent factors that influence technological drought conditions. The analysis indicated ten major components of important dimensions of technological drought and resilience. PC1 lightens technological options to reduce drought effects, PC2 symbolises socioeconomic factors in resilience, and PC3 puts the emphasis on water management and irrigation. PC4 is concerned with energy provision and technological limitations, whereas PC5 is associated with environmental and policy-based issues. PC6 focuses on the importance of cooperation among farmers and the integration of traditional knowledge, PC7 focuses on the problem of access to technologies, and PC8-PC10 focus on the environmental problems and failures in the technical sphere. The findings underscore the need for policies that promote improved water management, enhanced access to appropriate technologies, and the strengthening of drought resilience in smallholder agricultural systems.

 

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Haque Mondol, M. A.; Logna, H. R.; Akter, S.; Ali Mina, R.; Rahman, H.; Zhu, X.; Dunkerley, D. Underlying Dimensions and Determinants of Technological Drought in Relatively Uplifted Regions of Bangladesh. Water Scarcity and Drought 2026, 1 (1), 5.
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